Vehicle seats

Abstract

This invention provides a vehicle seat that improves the ease of installation of clips for mounting on the inclined portion of a support member. The seat cushion has: a frame-shaped frame; and a support member for supporting an occupant, which is supported within the frame. The frame has a crossbeam and a pair of left and right side beams connected at corresponding ends of the crossbeam and the side beams. Cover members covering at least a portion of the opposing sides are provided on the left and right side beams. The support member has: a plate-shaped main body extending substantially parallel to the frame; and an inclined portion extending obliquely outward from the left and right side edges of the main body toward the surface side. The left and right inclined portions abut against corresponding left and right cover members. A connecting reinforcement is provided at the connection between the main body and the inclined portion, the connecting reinforcement having a connecting recess recessed on the surface side and a connecting rib disposed within the connecting recess.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on January 31, 2020, with application number 202010077670.9 and invention title "Seat for Transportation Vehicles". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more specifically, to a vehicle seat having a support member disposed on the inner side of a frame to support an occupant. Background Technology

[0003] In vehicle seats, there are known vehicle seats that support the occupant by means of a support member formed from a plate-like resin component and disposed inside the seat cushion frame (e.g., Patent Document 1). The support member has inclined portions extending outwards and upwards from the left and right side edges of the rear of the main body. Since the inclined portions support the occupant's buttocks from the oblique side, the supporting force on the occupant's buttocks is distributed. Furthermore, the support member has multiple hooks at its front and rear ends, each hooking onto the front and rear crossbeams constituting the seat cushion frame. Additionally, there are known vehicle seats that have a seat heater disposed between the seat cover material and the cushion (e.g., Patent Document 2).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6309130

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-052498 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In recent years, the number of electrical components and wiring harnesses in vehicle seats has increased, along with the diversification of seat position adjustments. Since these components are fixed to the seat support components using clips or the like, numerous fixing points are required on the support components. In seats with a tilting section, such as the one described in Patent Document 1, such fixing points are provided on the back side of the tilting section. However, if fixing points are provided on the tilting surface, the installation of the clips becomes quite complicated.

[0009] In view of the above background, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle seat that improves the operability of mounting clips to the inclined portion of the support member.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle seat 1 having a seat cushion 2 and a seat back 3. The vehicle seat is characterized by having: a frame-shaped frame 7 disposed in at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back; a support member 8 for supporting an occupant disposed within the frame, having a plate-shaped main body 20 extending substantially parallel to the frame and inclined portions 21 extending outwardly towards the surface from at least a portion of the left and right side edges of the main body; a pad 9 disposed on the surface side of the frame and the support member; an outer material 10 covering the pad; and a clip 37 for securing other components to the inclined portions, wherein a cylindrical portion 34 protruding perpendicularly to the main body towards the rear side is formed in the inclined portions, and a mounting hole 35 for the clip to be inserted is formed through the hollow of the cylindrical portion.

[0012] According to this structure, since the cylindrical part is located on the back side of the inclined part, the clamp has good installation operability towards the inclined part.

[0013] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the mounting hole passes through the inclined portion, a shoulder surface 38 facing the surface side is formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion, and the clip is inserted into the mounting hole from the back side of the support member and locked onto the shoulder surface in such a manner that the other components are arranged on the back side of the support member.

[0014] According to this structure, the decrease in rigidity caused by the installation hole is compensated by the shoulder surface, and the end of the clip is locked to the shoulder surface in a manner that does not protrude from the inclined surface, thus preventing a decrease in seating comfort.

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above structures, the other components are linear components that extend longitudinally.

[0016] According to this structure, linear components such as wire harnesses can be installed on the inclined portion.

[0017] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, a plurality of mounting holes are formed in each of the inclined portions.

[0018] According to this structure, multiple linear components can be installed on the inclined section through multiple mounting holes.

[0019] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the positions of the plurality of mounting holes formed on each of the inclined portions are staggered from each other in the lateral direction.

[0020] According to this structure, longitudinally extending linear components can be arranged laterally.

[0021] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the positions of the plurality of mounting holes formed in each of the inclined portions are staggered from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] According to this structure, the workability is improved due to the increased spacing between the mounting holes.

[0023] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above structures, the vehicle seat is provided with a longitudinal end reinforcement (rear reinforcement) 42, the longitudinal end reinforcement having: a vertical wall 43 extending from an end edge of one longitudinal side of the inclined portion along the surface of the inclined portion toward the rear side in a manner perpendicular to the surface of the inclined portion; a bottom wall 44 extending from the lower edge of the vertical wall toward the longitudinal side or in a direction inclined toward an extension surface of the surface relative to that side; and a reinforcing wall 45 fixed perpendicular to the vertical wall and the bottom wall.

[0024] This structure allows for adjustment of the deflection of the inclined portion while simultaneously increasing its rigidity.

[0025] Furthermore, existing support components, which hook onto the seat cushion frame at their front and rear ends, require lateral positioning relative to the seat cushion frame. This results in a time-consuming process when assembling the support component to the seat cushion frame. Additionally, after assembly, the support component may unexpectedly become misaligned relative to the seat cushion frame. Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a vehicle seat where the positioning of the support component relative to the frame is facilitated.

[0026] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle seat 1 having a seat cushion 2 and a seat back 3. The vehicle seat is characterized by having: a frame-shaped frame 7 disposed on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back; and a support member 8 for supporting an occupant, which is supported within the frame. The frame has: a pair of left and right side beams 14; and crossbeams 15 and 16 connecting corresponding ends of the side beams. Cover members 60 covering at least a portion of the opposing sides are provided on the left and right side beams. The support member has: a plate-shaped main body 20 extending substantially parallel to the frame; and inclined portions 21 extending obliquely outward from the left and right side edges of the main body towards the surface side. The left and right inclined portions abut against the corresponding left and right cover members. A first reinforcing portion (grid-like reinforcing portion) 39 for strengthening the rigidity of the inclined portion is provided on the back of the inclined portion.

[0027] According to this structure, by abutting the inclined portion against the cover member, the support member can be positioned relative to the frame in the left-right direction. This facilitates the assembly of the support member to the frame. Furthermore, after assembly, it prevents the support member from shifting left or right relative to the frame. Moreover, the first reinforcing portion increases the rigidity of the inclined portion, suppressing deformation of the inclined portion. Therefore, the position of the support member relative to the frame can be fixed.

[0028] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the cover component is supported by the side beam.

[0029] According to this structure, the cover component is stabilized by being supported on the side beam, thus the position of the support component is fixed.

[0030] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, a second reinforcing part (covering reinforcing part) 64 for strengthening the rigidity of the cover member is provided in the cover member, and the second reinforcing part is disposed on the lateral extension line of the first reinforcing part along the surface of the inclined part.

[0031] According to this structure, the rigidity of the cover component is increased by the second reinforcing part, which can suppress the deformation of the cover component. As a result, the position of the support component can be fixed relative to the frame.

[0032] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the first reinforcing portion includes at least one first rib 41 extending in a straight line, and the second reinforcing portion includes at least one second rib (cover reinforcing portion) 64 extending in a straight line, with the corresponding first rib and second rib arranged on a common straight line.

[0033] According to this structure, since the portion of the support member whose rigidity is increased by the first rib and the portion of the cover member whose rigidity is increased by the second rib are arranged, deformation of the support member and the cover member can be suppressed. Therefore, the position of the support member relative to the frame can be fixed.

[0034] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the inclined portion has a first mounting hole 35 on the extension line of the first rib, the first mounting hole 35 being capable of mounting a clip holding the linear component.

[0035] According to this structure, the deformation of the first mounting hole is suppressed by the first rib, thus preventing the clip from falling off.

[0036] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above structures having a first rib, the first reinforcing part includes a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of third ribs (longitudinal ribs) 40 intersecting with the first ribs.

[0037] According to this structure, by further increasing the rigidity of the inclined portion, deformation of the inclined portion can be suppressed. This allows the position of the support component to be fixed relative to the frame.

[0038] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above-described structures in which the cover member is supported on the side beam, the cover member has a protrusion 63 that protrudes from the back of the side wall abutting against the inclined portion and abuts against the side beam at its end, the side beam having a second mounting hole 14a near the end of the protrusion for mounting the clip.

[0039] According to this structure, since the deformation of the cover component is suppressed by the protrusion, the support component that abuts against the cover component is fixed, and space is ensured to accommodate other components such as the linear component held by the clip. The situation where the cover component collides with other components and causes other components to fall off is suppressed.

[0040] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, within the longitudinal range where the inclined portion abuts against the cover member, the lower end of the cover member abuts against the track cover.

[0041] According to this structure, the deformation of the cover component is suppressed by the track cover, thus fixing the support component that abuts against the cover component.

[0042] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above-described structures in which the cover member is supported by the side beam, the side beam is disposed on the extended surface of the inclined portion.

[0043] This structure improves installation rigidity.

[0044] The present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above structures, the inclined portion is formed of resin molded with metal wire 24 as an insert.

[0045] This structure allows for further improvement in the rigidity of the inclined section, suppressing its deformation. Consequently, the position of the supporting component can be fixed relative to the frame.

[0046] Furthermore, in existing support components with tilting sections on the left and right, there is a possibility that stress may concentrate on the tilting sections due to the sitting posture, requiring reinforcement of the tilting sections. One embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a vehicle seat with reinforced tilting sections.

[0047] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle seat 1 having a seat cushion 2 and a seat back 3. The vehicle seat is characterized by having: a frame-shaped frame 7 disposed on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back; and a support member 8 for supporting an occupant, which is supported within the frame. The frame has: a pair of left and right side beams 14; and crossbeams 15 and 16 connecting corresponding ends of the side beams. Cover members 60 covering at least a portion of opposite sides are provided on the left and right side beams. The support member has: a plate-shaped main body 20 extending substantially parallel to the frame; and inclined portions 21 extending obliquely outward from the left and right side edges of the main body towards the surface side. The left and right inclined portions abut against corresponding left and right cover members. A connecting reinforcement portion 46 is provided at the connection between the main body and the inclined portion. The connecting reinforcement portion 46 has a connecting recess 47 recessed on the surface side and a connecting rib 48 disposed within the connecting recess.

[0048] According to this structure, the strength of the connection between the inclined part and the main body can be enhanced by the connecting reinforcement. In addition, by adjusting the size of the connecting recess or the orientation, thickness, and number of connecting ribs, the support component can be designed to make the bending ease of the inclined part relative to the main body reach a desired level.

[0049] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the inclined portion has a mounting hole for mounting a clip.

[0050] According to this structure, components such as wire harnesses can be installed on the inclined part with the help of clips.

[0051] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, at least a portion of the connecting ribs are disposed laterally to the side of the mounting hole. "Laterally" refers to a left-right direction or a left-right direction that is inclined up-down or forward-backward along the surface of the support member.

[0052] According to this structure, the strength of the parts whose strength is damaged due to the mounting holes can be compensated by the connecting ribs.

[0053] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above-described structures having mounting holes, the longitudinal length of the connecting recess is longer than the longitudinal length of the mounting hole. "Longitudinal" refers to a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction and along the surface of the support member.

[0054] According to this structure, in the longitudinal direction, the connection between the inclined part and the main body can be strengthened within a range that is wider than the mounting hole.

[0055] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above structures, the vehicle seat is provided with a longitudinal end reinforcement (rear reinforcement) 42, the longitudinal end reinforcement having: a vertical wall 43 extending from the end edge of one longitudinal side of the inclined portion toward the rear side in a manner perpendicular to the surface of the inclined portion; a bottom wall 44 extending from the lower edge of the vertical wall toward the longitudinal side or toward an extended surface inclined relative to that side toward the surface; and a reinforcement wall 45 fixed perpendicular to the vertical wall and the bottom wall.

[0056] According to this structure, by strengthening the inclined portion with the longitudinal end reinforcement and adjusting the thickness and number of reinforcing walls, the support component can be designed to make the bending ease of the inclined portion reach the desired level.

[0057] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the mounting hole is located on the longitudinal extension line of at least a portion of the reinforcing wall.

[0058] According to this structure, the strength of the parts whose strength is damaged due to the mounting holes can be compensated by using the reinforcing wall.

[0059] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above structures having a longitudinal end reinforcement, the reinforcing wall is located laterally outward than the connecting rib.

[0060] According to this structure, since the longitudinal end reinforcement is located laterally outward than the connecting rib, it is possible to prevent the connection between the connecting part and the main body from being excessively reinforced, thus preventing the support member from being able to flex sufficiently. Furthermore, the longitudinal end reinforcement can be used to reinforce the position laterally outward than the connecting part.

[0061] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above-described structures having a longitudinal end reinforcement, the longitudinal end reinforcement is located on the side closer to the longitudinal direction than the connecting reinforcement.

[0062] According to this structure, since the longitudinal end reinforcement is staggered relative to the connecting reinforcement in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to prevent excessive local reinforcement and stress concentration in other parts.

[0063] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above-described structures having a longitudinal end reinforcement, the connecting rib is configured to form an angle relative to the reinforcing wall.

[0064] According to this structure, since the connecting rib forms an angle with the reinforcing wall, the connecting rib and the reinforcing wall reinforce the inclined portion in different directions.

[0065] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the connecting rib extends laterally and the reinforcing wall extends longitudinally.

[0066] This structure allows for reinforcement of the inclined portion in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0067] Furthermore, comparing two scenarios—one where a seat heater is installed in a vehicle seat with a plate-shaped support member having inclined portions on both sides, and the other where a seat heater is installed in a vehicle seat with a support member having multiple linear metal springs extending forward and backward with left and right curves—it is evident that the stresses applied to the seat heaters are different. Therefore, different considerations are needed to prevent damage to the heating wires within the seat heater due to stress from the support member. One embodiment of the present invention aims to suppress damage to the heating wires in a vehicle seat having a plate-shaped support member (with inclined portions) and a seat heater.

[0068] To address the aforementioned issues, one embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle seat 101 having a seat cushion 102 and a seat back 103. The vehicle seat is characterized by having: a frame-shaped frame 106 disposed on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back; a support member 107 supporting an occupant, supported within the frame; a pad 108 disposed on the surface side of the frame and the support member; an outer material 109 covering the pad; and a seat heater 110 having a base fabric 133 disposed between the pad and the outer material and heating wires 134 fixed to the base fabric 133. The support member has: a plate-shaped body 115 extending substantially parallel to the frame; and an inclined portion 116 extending obliquely outward from the left and right side edges of the body toward the surface side, the left and right side edges of the base fabric being located inward in the left-right direction than the outer left-right edge of the inclined portion.

[0069] According to this structure, since the left and right edges of the base fabric are located closer to the inner side in the left and right direction than the outer edges of the inclined portion, the bending load on the seat heater is suppressed compared to the case where the left and right edges of the base fabric are located further outward than the left and right edges of the inclined portion. By suppressing the bending load on the seat heater, damage to the heating wires contained in the seat heater is suppressed.

[0070] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the support member is formed of resin with metal wire 119 as an insert, the wire including side longitudinal wire 119c, which is disposed in the inclined portion at a position further outward in the left-right direction than the left and right edges of the base fabric, and extends longitudinally. Here, longitudinally refers to the direction along the front-back or up-down direction of the support member.

[0071] According to this structure, the side longitudinal wires extend outward in the left and right directions compared to the bottom fabric, thereby suppressing the bending load on the seat heater and thus preventing damage to the heating wires contained in the seat heater.

[0072] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the wire includes transverse wires 119d to 119g that are configured to be at least partially covered by the base fabric and extend in the left-right direction.

[0073] According to this structure, the load applied to the heating wire is suppressed by using transverse wires to suppress the deformation of the base fabric.

[0074] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, there are multiple rows of the described transverse wires.

[0075] According to this structure, the deformation of the base fabric is suppressed by multiple rows of horizontal wires, thereby suppressing the load applied to the heating wire.

[0076] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, the wire has an annular portion covered by the base fabric, and at least a portion of the plurality of horizontal wires constitutes part of the annular portion.

[0077] According to this structure, the deformation of the base fabric is suppressed by forming the wire into a ring shape, thereby suppressing the load applied to the heating wire.

[0078] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above structures, the base fabric has a connecting portion 36, which flexes toward the support member at a position overlapping with the hanging portion 138 of the outer skin material.

[0079] According to this structure, even if the occupant sits down and the connecting part is stretched back and forth, the flexed connecting part will also elongate, thereby reducing the tensile force applied to the connecting part in the forward and backward directions. Therefore, the load applied to the heating wire disposed in the connecting part is suppressed.

[0080] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above structure, a pressure sensor 120 is further provided, which is mounted on the surface side of the support member in such a manner that it overlaps with the hanging portion of the skin material when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main body of the support member.

[0081] According to this structure, since the pressure sensor is configured to overlap with the easily flexible mounting part, the pressure sensor can easily measure the pressure.

[0082] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above structures, the support member has clip mounting holes 125 and 126 for mounting clips 127, and the bottom fabric does not cover the clip mounting holes.

[0083] According to this structure, since the bottom fabric is not easily affected by the stress from the end of the clip that is installed from the back side of the support member and protrudes to the surface side, the bending load on the seat heater is suppressed.

[0084] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above structures, the main body of the support member has a plurality of locking holes 122, 123 for locking the end of the skin material, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main body of the support member, the bottom fabric is configured to be offset from the locking holes.

[0085] According to this structure, since the base fabric is configured to be offset from the locking holes, the workers can easily visually confirm the locking holes, making the installation of the ends of the skin material easier.

[0086] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above structures, the left and right sides of the base fabric are located on the left and right inner sides of the support member.

[0087] According to this structure, the bending load on the seat heater is suppressed because the supported area of ​​the supported component in the base fabric is increased.

[0088] Invention Effects

[0089] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat can be provided which improves the ease of installation of a mounting clip to the inclined portion of a support member by providing a cylindrical portion.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by providing a structure with a shoulder surface, the decrease in rigidity caused by the installation hole is compensated by the shoulder surface, and the end of the clip is locked to the shoulder surface in a manner that does not protrude from the inclined surface, thus preventing a decrease in seating comfort.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the above structure, the other components are linear components that extend longitudinally, thereby enabling the installation of linear components such as wire harnesses on the inclined portion.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the above structure, a plurality of mounting holes are formed in each inclined portion, thereby enabling a plurality of linear components to be mounted on the inclined portion.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the above structure, the positions of the plurality of mounting holes are staggered from each other in the lateral direction, thereby enabling the longitudinally extending linear components to be arranged in the lateral direction.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the above structure, the plurality of mounting holes are staggered from each other in the longitudinal direction, thereby increasing the spacing between the mounting holes and thus improving workability.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in any of the above structures, by forming a structure with a longitudinal end reinforcement, the deflection of the inclined portion can be adjusted, and the rigidity of the inclined portion can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0096] Figure 1 This is a side view of the seat according to the first embodiment.

[0097] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the frame and supporting components of the first embodiment.

[0098] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the inclined portion and the periphery of the cover component of the first embodiment, viewed from the back of the cylindrical portion (illustration of the pad is omitted).

[0099] Figure 4 This is an enlarged top view of the side of the support member and the side frame of the first embodiment.

[0100] Figures 5A to 5C This is a diagram illustrating the engagement of the skin material of the first embodiment with respect to the support member. Figure 5A It is a top view. Figure 5B It is a cross-sectional view. Figure 5C (This is a cross-sectional view of a modified example).

[0101] Figure 6 This is an enlarged perspective view of the inclined portion of the first embodiment (illustration of the cover component is omitted).

[0102] Figure 7 This is a rear view of the periphery of the inclined portion in the first embodiment.

[0103] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the frame and support components of the first embodiment from the right rear.

[0104] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the inclined portion and the periphery of the cover component of the first embodiment, including the padding as viewed from the front.

[0105] Figure 10 This is a rear view of the padding in the seat back of the first embodiment.

[0106] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the side frame of the seat back as seen from the front inside of the first embodiment.

[0107] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the seat according to the second embodiment.

[0108] Figure 13 This is a top view of the support component according to the second embodiment.

[0109] Figure 14 This is a top view of the support member and seat heater according to the second embodiment.

[0110] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the seat mounting section according to the second embodiment.

[0111] Label Explanation

[0112] 1: Seat;

[0113] 2: Seat cushion;

[0114] 7: Framework;

[0115] 8: Support components;

[0116] 9: Padding;

[0117] 10: Surface material;

[0118] 20: Main body;

[0119] 21: Inclined section;

[0120] 22: Front mounting section;

[0121] 23: Rear mounting section;

[0122] 34: Tubular part;

[0123] 35: Mounting hole;

[0124] 36: Wire-assembled components;

[0125] 37: Clip;

[0126] 38: Shoulder surface;

[0127] 42: Rear reinforcement section (longitudinal end reinforcement section);

[0128] 43: vertical wall;

[0129] 44: Bottom wall;

[0130] 45: Reinforced wall. Detailed Implementation

[0131] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the directions of front-back, left-right, and up-down are defined according to the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions of the vehicle V.

[0132] <First Implementation Method>

[0133] like Figure 1 As shown, seat 1 serves as the driver's or passenger's seat of vehicle V, and includes a seat cushion 2, a seat back 3, and a headrest 4. The seat cushion 2 is supported by a pair of left and right sliding rails 6, 6 fixed to the passenger compartment floor 5, allowing it to slide back and forth. Furthermore, seat 1 has components disposed on a frame 7 and a support member 8 (see reference). Figure 2 The slide rail 6 has a flexible pad 9 made of polyurethane foam or the like and a skin material 10 covering the pad 9. The slide rail 6 has: a lower rail 11, which is coupled to the floor 5; an upper rail 12, which is supported on the lower rail 11 in a manner that allows it to slide back and forth; and a rail cover 13 (see reference 5). Figure 3 ), which covers at least a portion of upper orbit 12.

[0134] like Figure 2 As shown, the seat cushion 2 has: a frame-shaped frame 7; and a support member 8, which is supported in a manner located within the frame 7, by means of an outer material 10 and a padding 9 (see reference). Figure 1 It elastically supports the load of the occupant of seat 1.

[0135] The frame 7 includes: a pair of left and right side beams 14, 14; a front crossbeam 15 connecting the front ends of the left and right side beams 14, 14 to each other; a rear crossbeam 16 connecting the rear ends of the left and right side beams 14, 14 to each other; and a cradle 17 connected to the front ends of the left and right side beams 14, 14, with its middle portion positioned forward of the front crossbeam 15. The left and right side beams 14, 14 are long strips of metal plate, with flanges formed at the top and bottom. The side beams 14 are supported on the upper track 12 (see reference 65) by means of a base member 65. Figure 3 The front crossbeam 15 and rear crossbeam 16 are constructed of metal tubes extending in the left-right direction. The rocker arm 17 is constructed of a metal plate and has a surface that runs approximately along the front of the seat surface. Figure 4 As shown, a position sensor 19 for detecting the fore-and-aft position of the seat 1 relative to the floor 5 is installed on the right side beam 14.

[0136] like Figure 2 As shown, the support member 8 is supported within the frame 7. The support member 8 has: a plate-shaped body 20 extending substantially parallel to the frame 7; an inclined portion 21 extending obliquely outward from the left and right side edges of the rear portion of the body 20 towards the surface; a front mounting portion 22 extending forward from the front edge of the body 20 and engaging with the front crossbeam 15; and a rear mounting portion 23 extending obliquely upward and rearward from the rear edge of the body 20 and engaging with the rear crossbeam 16. The body 20 may also be slightly inclined at its rearward-rearward midpoint, with its front side relative to its rear side moving forward and upward. The support member 8 is formed of resin molded with metal wire 24 as an insert, flexing under the load of the occupants to elastically support them.

[0137] A sensor mounting portion 26 for mounting a pressure sensor 25 is formed on the surface side of the central portion in the left-right direction at the front of the main body 20. The pressure sensor 25 detects the pressure applied to the seat cushion 2 to determine whether the occupant is seated on the seat 1. At the rear of the main body 20, the occupant's load is distributed by the tilt portion 21, thus reducing the pressure when seated. Therefore, the pressure sensor 25 is positioned forward-offset relative to the tilt portion 21 to avoid being affected by the pressure distributed by the tilt portion 21. As a result, the accuracy of the seat determination unit (not shown), such as the ECU, which receives signals from the pressure sensor 25, in determining the seat position is improved.

[0138] In seat 1 (reference) Figure 1 In this system, an air ventilation system that adjusts humidity by drawing or blowing air onto the surface of the seat 1 is used. On the left and right sides of the sensor mounting section 26 on the main body 20, a pair of vertically penetrating air openings 27, 27 are provided to form air passages. Each air opening 27 is rectangular when viewed from above. A longitudinally passing central longitudinal wire 24a is embedded in the resin portion forming the sensor mounting section 26 sandwiched between the pair of air openings 27, 27 for reinforcement.

[0139] In addition, a central locking hole 29 located in the center of the main body 20 in the left-right direction and a pair of side locking holes 30, 30 located to the left and right of the central locking hole 29 are provided at the rear of the main body 20. These are multiple hooks 28 (see reference) to be installed on the end of the skin material 10. Figures 5A to 5CThe central locking hole 29 and the pair of side locking holes 30, 30 are rectangular when viewed from above. Regarding the central locking hole 29 and the pair of side locking holes 30, 30 arranged in the left-right direction, their widths in the front-back direction are equal, but in the left-right direction, the central locking hole 29 is longer than the pair of side locking holes 30, 30. Therefore, the flexibility of the central part of the support member 8 is increased, resulting in a soft and comfortable seating experience. Thus, by making the length of the central locking hole 29 different from the lengths of the pair of side locking holes 30, 30, the deflection of the support member 8 is set to improve the seating comfort. Furthermore, the central longitudinal wire 24a runs through the center of the central locking hole 29 in the left-right direction, thereby strengthening the periphery of the central locking hole 29. Figure 5A As shown, the hook 28, which is engaged with the central locking hole 29, has a groove 31 for receiving the central longitudinal wire 24a, thus making the engagement of the hook 28 with the central locking hole 29 more secure. Furthermore, due to the groove 31, the hook 28 engaged with the central locking hole 29 has a different shape and a wider width than the hook 28 engaged with the side locking holes 30. Thus, by changing the shape or size of the hook 28 according to the shape or size of the locking hole to be engaged, it is possible to prevent the operator from assembling the hook 28 into the wrong locking hole. Since the central locking hole 29 and the pair of side locking holes 30 are separate from the rear mounting part 23, workability is excellent. Because the skin material 10 can be secured to the support member 8, it is not necessary to set the tabs or the like for forming the locking part on the frame 7, allowing for miniaturization and weight reduction of the frame 7.

[0140] like Figure 2 and Figures 5A to 5C As shown, a hook recess 32 is provided at the rear edge of the central locking hole 29 and a pair of side locking holes 30, 30 on the surface side of the main body 20, recessed towards the rear side. The hook 28 passes through the corresponding central locking hole 29 or side locking hole 30 from the rear side to the surface side, and the end of the hook 28 is received in the hook recess 32. The end of the hook 28 being received in the hook recess 32 allows the hook 28 to be positioned relative to the central locking hole 29 and the side locking holes 30. Furthermore, as... Figure 5C As shown, instead of the hook recess 32, a hook edge wall 33 protruding towards the surface can be provided at the rear edge of the central locking hole 29 on the surface side, so that the end of the hook 28 is locked (the same applies to the surface edge of the side locking hole 30). The end of the hook 28 engages with the hook edge wall 33, thereby preventing the hook 28 from falling out of the central locking hole 29 and the side locking hole 30. In addition, since the central locking hole 29 and the side locking hole 30 are located in the main body 20 at a position where they are aligned with the pair of left and right inclined portions 21, 21, i.e., at a position with relatively high rigidity, deformation of the central locking hole 29 and the side locking hole 30 can be suppressed, and the hook 28 can be prevented from falling out of the central locking hole 29 and the side locking hole 30.

[0141] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 6 to 8 As shown, a cylindrical portion 34 protruding downwards (towards the rear direction perpendicular to the main body 20) is formed in the inclined portion 21. A clip 37 is inserted into a mounting hole 35 formed by the hollow of the cylindrical portion 34. This clip 37 is used to mount wire components 36, such as wire harnesses or cables, and other components to the support member 8. To prevent the wire component 36 from deforming, the wire component 36 is configured to contact the rear reinforcement 42 and the rear surface of the inclined portion 21. Furthermore, to improve workability, the wire component 36 is staggered from the central locking hole 29 and a pair of side locking holes 30, 30. In addition, the wire component 36 preferably extends in the front-rear direction, or is configured to approach laterally inwards from the mounting hole 35. A shoulder surface 38 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 34. This shoulder surface 38 is used to increase the rigidity of the cylindrical portion 34 and to lock the end of the clip 37. For example, the cylindrical portion 34 is configured to include: a bottom wall 34a having a through hole for inserting the clip 37 and forming a rectangle when viewed from above; and a side wall 34b that extends upward from the edge of the bottom wall 34a. The upper surface of the bottom wall 34a forms a shoulder surface 38. The lower end of the cylindrical portion 34 is located on a plane substantially the same as the back surface of the main body 20, and the extending direction of the mounting hole 35 is perpendicular to the main body 20. Therefore, the installation operation of the clip 37 from the back side relative to the inclined portion 21 can be performed in the same way as the installation operation relative to the main body 20. That is, the installability of the clip 37 towards the cylindrical portion 34 is improved compared to the case where the clip 37 is installed at an angle. In addition, by having the shoulder surface 38, the end of the clip 37 does not protrude from the surface of the inclined portion 21, preventing the clip 37 from affecting the seating comfort. Furthermore, although the illustration is omitted, the front-to-back positions of the central locking hole 29 and the pair of side locking holes 30, 30 are offset relative to the mounting position of the skin material 10 provided on the pad 9. Additionally, when the skin material 10 is also fixed to the side beam 14, its fixing position is offset front-to-back relative to the inclined portion 21. To install multiple linear components 36, multiple mounting holes 35 can also be provided on each inclined portion 21. In this case, by offsetting the multiple mounting holes 35 from each other in the left-to-right and front-to-back directions, multiple linear components 36 extending in the front-to-back or laterally can be installed, and installation workability is improved.

[0142] A lattice-shaped reinforcing portion 39 is provided on the back side of the inclined portion 21. The lattice-shaped reinforcing portion 39 has a plurality of longitudinal ribs 40 that protrude downward and extend in the front-rear direction, and a plurality of transverse ribs 41 that protrude downward and extend laterally along the inclined portion 21. Since the rigidity of the inclined portion 21 is improved by the lattice-shaped reinforcing portion 39, deformation of the inclined portion 21 can be suppressed, and the position of the support member 8 relative to the frame 7 is fixed. The cylindrical portion 34 is disposed within the lattice-shaped reinforcing portion 39. In order to compensate for the decrease in rigidity caused by the provision of the mounting hole 35, it is preferable that a portion of the longitudinal ribs 40 and / or transverse ribs 41 are connected to the cylindrical portion 34.

[0143] A rear reinforcement 42 is provided at the rear edge of the inclined portion 21. This rear reinforcement 42 is used to strengthen the inclined portion 21 and adjust its deflection. The rear reinforcement 42 has: a vertical wall 43 extending from the rear edge of the inclined portion 21 toward the rear side perpendicular to the surface of the inclined portion 21; a bottom wall 44 extending rearward or obliquely upward and rearward from the lower edge of the vertical wall 43; and a plurality of reinforcing walls 45 (ribs) fixed perpendicular to the vertical wall 43 and the bottom wall 44. To compensate for the decrease in rigidity caused by the mounting holes 35, a portion of the reinforcing wall 45 is preferably located on the longitudinal extension line of the mounting holes 35 and at the same height as the mounting holes 35. Furthermore, the longitudinal ribs 40 of the preferably lattice-shaped reinforcement 39 are connected to the vertical walls 43 in a cross manner, and the longitudinal ribs 40 and the vertical walls 43 increase the rigidity of the inclined portion 21 in response to load inputs in different directions.

[0144] At the connection between the main body 20 and the inclined portion 21, located slightly forward of the rear reinforcing portion 42, a connecting reinforcing portion 46 is provided to strengthen the connection between the two. The connecting reinforcing portion 46 includes: a connecting recess 47 extending longitudinally at the boundary between the main body 20 and the inclined portion 21 on the surface side of the support member 8; and a plurality of connecting ribs 48 disposed within the connecting recess 47, each consisting of a wall whose main surface is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. By adjusting the length and depth of the connecting recess 47, and the number and thickness of the connecting ribs 48, the flexibility of the inclined portion 21 and the rigidity between the main body 20 and the inclined portion 21 can be adjusted. The connecting recess 47 is formed laterally to the side of the mounting hole 35, and its longitudinal length is preferably greater than the longitudinal length of the mounting hole 35. This configuration strengthens the portion whose strength is compromised by the mounting hole 35 over a larger range. The connecting ribs 48 are located laterally inward of the reinforcing wall 45 of the rear reinforcing portion 42. Furthermore, a side longitudinal wire 24b is embedded in the support member 8 between the main body 20 and the inclined portion 21, thereby reinforcing the relationship between the main body 20 and the inclined portion 21. Additionally, to improve the rigidity of the inclined portion 21, the arrangement of the wire 24 can be changed to surround the cylindrical portion 34 or connect the reinforcing portion 46. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the wire 24 to intersect with the longitudinal rib 40 and the transverse rib 41, and to improve rigidity, it is preferable that the wire member 36 runs along a portion of the wire 24 (not shown).

[0145] like Figure 4 As shown, side cutouts 49 are formed on the left and right side edges of the support member 8, between the main body 20 and the inclined portion 21 located at the rear. The position sensor 19, mounted on the side beam 14, is located within the position of the side cutouts 49 in the front-rear direction. By providing the side cutouts 49, the support member 8 can be miniaturized and made lighter, and the installation status of the position sensor 19 can be easily confirmed. The side cutouts 49 may also be provided only on the side of the left and right side edges of the support member 8 where the position sensor 19 is located. In addition, except that the position sensor 19 is only provided on one side, the frame 7 and the support member 8 are approximately mirror-symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to their left and right directions.

[0146] Since there is no inclined portion 21 in front of the side cutout 49, the side edge of the main body 20 becomes the side edge of the support member 8 at the front of the support member 8. The side portion 50 of the front of the main body 20 has a crank shape that is lower in the front than in the rear when viewed from the side, compensating for the decrease in rigidity caused by the side cutout 49. Furthermore, when the linear member 36 is installed on the back side of the lower portion of the crank shape, the effect of the end of the clip (not shown) protruding from the surface side is mitigated by the higher portion of the crank shape, suppressing the decrease in seating comfort. In addition, since the occupant's buttocks are supported on the rear side even when the front side is lower, the influence of the crank shape on the support of the buttocks is small, suppressing the decrease in seating comfort. Furthermore, the near portions of the left and right outer sides of each of the pair of left and right air openings 27, 27 in the main body 20 have curved portions 51, which are curved when viewed from the front to connect with the portion of the side portion 50 of the front of the main body 20 that is lowered due to the crank shape. The bend 51 extends from near the air opening 27 to near the leading edge of the main body 20. The bend 51 compensates for the reduced rigidity caused by the pair of left and right air openings 27, 27.

[0147] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, to improve the rigidity of the left and right side edges of the support member 8, a flange 53 protruding towards the surface is provided on the front side edge of the main body 20, and a flange 54 protruding towards the rear side is provided on the side edge of the inclined portion 21. If a clip (not shown) is provided at the hole 55 near the front side edge of the main body 20, the end of the clip protrudes towards the surface of the main body 20. The flange 53 protruding towards the surface mitigates the impact of the protrusion of the clip end on the seating comfort. On the other hand, since a shoulder surface 38 is provided in the mounting hole 35 of the inclined portion 21, the end of the clip 37 installed in the mounting hole 35 does not protrude towards the surface of the inclined portion 21. Therefore, the flange 54 of the inclined portion 21 protrudes towards the rear side without affecting the seating comfort.

[0148] like Figure 2As shown, some of the wires 24 embedded in the resin constituting the support member 8 extend in the left-right direction (lateral direction), thereby increasing the rigidity of the support member 8 around itself. A front horizontal wire 24c is positioned approximately along the front edge of the main body 20 in front of the pair of left and right air openings 27, 27. A central horizontal wire 24d is positioned between the pair of left and right air openings 27, 27 and the central locking hole 29 and the pair of left and right side locking holes 30, 30. A rear horizontal wire 24e is positioned approximately along the rear edge of the main body 20 behind the central locking hole 29 and the pair of left and right side locking holes 30, 30. A portion of the central horizontal wire 24d is positioned along the front edge of the central locking hole 29 and the pair of left and right side locking holes 30, 30. The central horizontal wires 24d can be arranged in multiple rows; in this case, the central horizontal wires 24d can be composed of a portion of the wires 24 arranged in a ring.

[0149] The front mounting section 22 engages with the front crossbeam 15 from above and has three separate front mounting pieces 56 for easy installation. Similarly, the rear mounting section 23 engages with the rear crossbeam 16 from above and has three separate rear mounting pieces 57 for easy installation. The two ends of the central longitudinal wire 24a and the side longitudinal wires 24b are respectively embedded in the corresponding front mounting pieces 56 and rear mounting pieces 57 to reinforce the front mounting section 22 and the rear mounting section 23.

[0150] A front cutout 58 is provided on the front edge of the main body 20 where it is not connected to the front mounting piece 56. The width of the front cutout 58 in the left-right direction is smaller than the distance between two adjacent front mounting pieces 56, 56 connected to the front edge of the main body 20. Therefore, the outline of the space divided by the front edge of the main body 20 and the two adjacent front mounting pieces 56, 56 appears as a convex shape when viewed from above. By providing the front cutout 58, the area from near the front edge of the main body 20 to the front mounting piece 56 can be significantly deflected, making it easier to install the front mounting piece 56 to the front crossbeam 15. Furthermore, since the width of the front cutout 58 is smaller than the distance between two adjacent front mounting pieces 56, the decrease in seating comfort caused by providing the front cutout 58 is suppressed. In addition, a connection portion 59 is formed between the sensor mounting portion 26 and the central front mounting piece 56, where the central longitudinal wire 24a is embedded. By providing an air opening 27 or a front cutout 58, the rigidity near the center of the front part of the main body 20 in the left-right direction is reduced, but the necessary rigidity is ensured by the connecting part 59. The front mounting plate 56 is hook-shaped, extending generally forward from the main body 20, and the rear mounting plate 57 is hook-shaped, extending obliquely upward and rearward from the rear edge of the main body 20.

[0151] Because the front horizontal wire 24c is arranged along the front edge of the main body 20 and avoids the front cutout 58, the front horizontal wire 24c is curved. In addition, the left and right ends of the front horizontal wire 24c extend forward, extending further outward in the left and right direction than the curved portion 51 and extending along the flange 53, thereby strengthening the front corners of the main body 20 without making the support member 8 larger.

[0152] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a cover member 60 is installed on the side beam 14 of the frame 7. The cover member 60 covers the inner and upper parts in the left-right direction at the rear of the side beam 14. The cover member 60 is formed of resin. The sidewalls 61 constituting the inner left and right sides of the cover member 60 are inclined inwards in the left-right direction from the lower side. The side edge of the inclined portion 21 abuts against the surface of the sidewall 61. For reliable abutment, the side edge of the inclined portion 21 is configured to make line contact with the surface of the sidewall 61. In order to reduce the friction between the side edge of the inclined portion 21 and the surface of the sidewall 61 and facilitate assembly, the area near the part of the sidewall 61 that abuts against the side edge of the inclined portion 21 is made into a flat portion 62, and the side edge of the inclined portion 21 has a rounded corner when viewed in longitudinal section. The front end and rear end of the sidewall 61 are preferably located in front of and behind the front end and rear end of the side edge of the inclined portion 21, respectively. To reduce friction between the inclined portion 21 and the side wall 61, the thickness of the side wall 61 is preferably thinner than that of the inclined portion 21. By abutting the side edge of the inclined portion 21 against the surface of the side wall 61 of the cover member 60, the support member 8 can be positioned relative to the frame 7 in the left-right direction, and after assembly, it is difficult for the support member 8 to be misaligned relative to the frame 7. Since the inclined portion 21 and cover member 60 on the left side are mirror images of each other with the inclined portion 21 and cover member 60 on the right side, the assembly of the support member 8 to the frame 7 is easy.

[0153] A protrusion 63 is provided on the side wall 61, which protrudes from the back and abuts against the side beam 14 at its end. The side beam 14 has a mounting hole 14a near the end of the protrusion 63, through which a clip (not shown) holding the linear member 36 can be installed. Even when a load is applied to the cover member 60 from the inclined portion 21, deformation of the side wall 61 of the cover member 60 is suppressed by the protrusion 63, thus preventing the linear member 36 from falling off due to a load applied from the side wall 61. Furthermore, in order to arrange the linear member 36 in a manner that avoids the rear crossbeam 16, it is preferable to provide a bracket supporting the linear member 36 on the side beam 14. The cover reinforcement 64 is composed of ribs connected to the inner surface of the side wall 61 and the protrusion 63. The ribs constituting the cover reinforcement 64 have a main surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and abut against the side beam 14 at their outer ends in the left-right direction. The rigidity of the cover member 60 is increased by the protrusion 63 and the cover reinforcement 64, suppressing deformation of the cover member 60. Furthermore, this allows the position of the support member 8 relative to the frame 7 to be fixed. A portion of the transverse rib 41 of the inclined portion 21 and the rib constituting the cover reinforcement 64 are preferably arranged on a common straight line. In this case, since the portion whose rigidity is increased by the rib 41 and the portion whose rigidity is increased by the rib constituting the cover reinforcement 64 are arranged, deformation of the support member 8 and the cover member 60 can be suppressed. Furthermore, to improve rigidity, it is preferable that the cylindrical portion 34 is aligned with the longitudinal position (longitudinal coordinate) of the protrusion 63. Alternatively, the transverse rib 41 of the inclined portion 21 and the rib constituting the cover reinforcement 64 can be changed to not be arranged in a straight line with each other; in this case, the inclined portion 21 and the cover member 60 are more prone to flexing, improving seating comfort.

[0154] Within the front-to-back direction of the inclined portion 21 abutting against the cover member 60, the lower end of the cover member 60 abuts against the inner side of the track cover 13 in the left-to-right direction and is supported. The track cover 13 is supported on the upper track 12, and the side beam 14 is supported on the upper track 12 by means of the base member 65. As a result, deformation of the cover member 60 is suppressed, and the position of the support member 8 relative to the frame 7 is fixed. Furthermore, regarding the vertical position of the cover member 60, the portion of the side edge of the inclined portion 21 that abuts against the side beam 14 is located between the protrusion 63 that abuts against the side beam 14 and the lower end supported on the track cover 13. In addition, the side beam 14 is arranged on the extended surface of the inclined portion 21 to improve the installation rigidity.

[0155] like Figure 9As shown, the surface of the inclined portion 21 abuts against the pad 9, and a portion of the pad 9 enters between the cover member 60 and the inclined portion 21. Therefore, the side edge of the inclined portion 21 abuts against the cover member 60 by means of the pad 9. By the pad 9 entering between the cover member 60 and the inclined portion 21, friction between the inclined portion 21 and the cover member 60 can be avoided, and friction noise can be suppressed. The left and right side ends of the pad 9 are located on the cover member 60, that is, located on the left and right outer sides of the side edge of the inclined portion 21. Therefore, the left and right width of the support member 8 can be reduced. In addition, if it is desired to increase the deflection of the inclined portion 21, the side edge of the inclined portion 21 can be separated from the cover member 60 by forming the surface of the pad 9 opposite to the surface of the inclined portion 21 into a warped shape relative to the inclined portion 21, so that the pad 9 does not enter between the cover member 60 and the inclined portion 21.

[0156] The preferred gasket 9 is also disposed on the front mounting plate 56 of the support member 8 (see reference). Figure 2 On top. In this case, since the occupant's load is applied to the front mounting plate 56 via the pad 9, it is from above and the front crossbeam 15 (see reference) Figure 2 The engagement strength of the front mounting piece 56 is improved.

[0157] like Figure 5B and Figure 5C As shown, a hook receiving portion 66 is formed in the portion of the pad 9 opposite to the hook 28, with an upwardly recessed shape. The hook receiving portion 66 prevents interference between the pad 9 and the hook 28, making it easier to install the hook 28 into the central locking hole 29 and the side locking hole 30. Alternatively, to prevent the hook 28 from falling off, the portion of the pad 9 opposite to the hook 28 can be pressed against the hook 28 instead of the hook receiving portion 66.

[0158] Figure 10 It is the seat back 3 (refer to) Figure 1 Rear view of pad 71 in ) Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the side frame 72 of the seat back 3, viewed from the front inside. For improved workability, it is preferable that the frame is positioned such that the surface material 10 (see reference...) is... Figure 1In the outer skin fixing material 73, the outer skin fixing material 73 located on the upper end side of the outer skin material 10 is fixed at a position higher than that of the airbag 74 mounted on the side frame 72, and the mounting position 75 of the linear component 36 is separated from the mounting position 76 of the reinforcing lining clip of the airbag 74. When the linear component 36 is disposed on the surface side of the side frame 72, it is preferable to provide a pad 71 between the linear component 36 and the outer skin fixing material 73 so that the outer skin fixing material 73 will not fall off. To improve rigidity, the outer skin fixing material 73 is preferably located at a position where the side frame 72 and the lower frame (not shown) overlap each other or are welded together. When the linear component 36 is fixed to the side frame 72, to improve rigidity, the mounting position 75 of the linear component 36 is preferably near the reinforcing rib 77 opposite to the airbag 74 and away from the position of the module retainer 78. Furthermore, to improve rigidity, it is preferable to provide the mounting position of the airbag 74 on the extension line of the reinforcing rib 77. To further improve workability, the module retainer 78 is preferably installed in a position that avoids the flange 79 of the side frame 72 when viewed from the side.

[0159] The padding 71 has: a main portion 71a disposed on the surface side; and end portions 71b disposed on the back side, overlapping the upper and left and right sides of the main portion 71a, cooperating with the main portion 71a to surround the upper frame (not shown) and the side frames 72. The main portion 71a is provided with a mounting surface material 10 (see reference). Figure 1 The mounting hole 80 is provided at the end 71b, where a cut 81 extends from the inside to the outside at the connection between the upper part and the left and right sides. The through hole 82 provided on the side of the main part 71a is provided to be in the same plane as the module holder 78 mounted on the side frame 72. The through hole 82 is provided at a position that avoids the wire 84 of the retaining support member 83.

[0160] <Second Implementation Method>

[0161] Reference Figures 12-15 The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0162] like Figure 12 As shown, seat 101 serves as a reference for vehicle V. Figure 1 For use in the driver's or passenger's seat, it has a seat cushion 102, a seat back 103 and a headrest 104, and is supported by a pair of left and right sliding rails 6 fixed to the floor of the carriage and covered by a rail cover 105 (see reference). Figure 1 Support. For example... Figures 13-15As shown, the seat cushion 102 includes: a frame-shaped frame 106 supported on a slide rail 6; a support member 107 supported within the frame 106; a flexible padding 108 composed of polyurethane foam or the like disposed on the frame 106 and the support member 107; a cover material 109 covering the padding 108; and a seat heater 110 disposed between the padding 108 and the cover material 109. The support member 107 elastically supports the load of the occupant sitting on the seat 101 by means of the cover material 109, the seat heater 110, and the padding 108, and transmits the load to the frame 106. The frame 106, support member 107, padding 108, cover material 109, and seat heater 110 are approximately mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central plane perpendicular to its left-right direction.

[0163] The frame 106 includes: a pair of left and right side beams 111, 111; a front crossbeam 112 connecting the front ends of the left and right side beams 111, 111 to each other; a rear crossbeam 113 connecting the rear ends of the left and right side beams 111, 111 to each other; and a rocker arm 114 connected to the front ends of the left and right side beams 111, 111, with the middle portion of the left and right beams located further forward than the front crossbeam 112. The left and right side beams 111, 111 are elongated strips made of metal plates, with flanges formed at the top and bottom. The front crossbeam 112 and the rear crossbeam 113 are made of metal tubes extending in the left and right direction. The rocker arm 114 is made of metal plates and has a surface that extends substantially along the front of the seat surface.

[0164] like Figure 13As shown, the support member 107 has: a plate-shaped main body 115 that extends substantially parallel to the frame 106; an inclined portion 116 that extends obliquely outward from the left and right side edges of the rear portion 115a of the main body 115 toward the surface; a front mounting portion 117 that extends forward from the front edge of the main body 115 and engages with the front crossbeam 112; and a rear mounting portion 118 that extends obliquely upward and rearward from the rear edge of the main body 115 and engages with the rear crossbeam 113. The main body 115 may also be slightly inclined with its front side being slightly higher than its rear side as it moves forward, with the midpoint of its rear portion 115a as the boundary. The support member 107 is formed of resin molded with metal wire 119 as an insert, and flexes to bear the load of the occupant by means of the skin material 109 and the padding 108, thereby elastically supporting the occupant. The front mounting portion 117 engages with the front crossbeam 112 from above, and has a central mounting piece in the left-right direction and a pair of mounting pieces near the left and right ends. The rear mounting portion 118 engages with the rear crossbeam 113 from above, and has a central mounting piece in the left-right direction and a pair of mounting pieces near the left and right ends. Thus, the front mounting portion 117 and the rear mounting portion 118 are each separated into three parts, making them easy to install onto the front crossbeam 112 and the rear crossbeam 113.

[0165] In seat 101 (see reference) Figure 12 The seat employs a seat belt reminder (SBR) system, which issues an alarm even when an occupant is seated but not wearing a seat belt. A pressure sensor 120 is provided for this purpose. The pressure sensor 120 is mounted on the surface side of the central portion in the left-right direction near the boundary between the front portion 115b and the rear portion 115a of the main body 115. The pressure sensor 120 detects the pressure applied to the seat cushion 102 to determine whether the occupant is seated in the seat 101. In the rear portion 115a of the main body 115, the occupant's load is distributed by the tilt portion 116, thus reducing the pressure applied when seated. Therefore, the pressure sensor 120 is preferably positioned forward-offset relative to the tilt portion 116, or positioned aligned with the front end of the tilt portion 116, to avoid being affected by the pressure dispersion of the tilt portion 116. This improves the accuracy of the seating determination performed by the ECU or other seating determination unit (not shown) receiving signals from the pressure sensor 120.

[0166] Furthermore, a central locking hole 122 located in the center of the body 115 in the left-right direction and a pair of side locking holes 123, 123 located to the left and right of the central locking hole 122 are provided at the rear 115a of the body 115. These are for multiple hooks 121 installed on the rear end of the skin material 109 (see reference). Figure 15The central locking hole 122 and the pair of side locking holes 123, 123 are rectangular when viewed from above. The widths of the central locking hole 122 and the pair of side locking holes 123, 123, arranged in the left-right direction are equal in the front-back direction, but the central locking hole 122 is longer than the pair of side locking holes 123, 123 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the flexibility of the central portion of the support member 107 is increased, resulting in a softer, more comfortable seating experience. By making the length of the central locking hole 122 different from the lengths of the pair of side locking holes 123, 123, the deflection of the support member 107 is set to improve seating comfort. Furthermore, the first longitudinal wire 119a runs longitudinally through the center of the central locking hole 122 in the left-right direction, thereby strengthening the periphery of the central locking hole 122. Since the rear end of the skin material 109 can be locked to the support member 107, it is not necessary to provide tabs or the like for forming the locking part in the frame 106, which enables the frame 106 to be miniaturized and lightweight.

[0167] A hook recess 124 is provided on the rear edge of the central locking hole 122 and the pair of side locking holes 123, 123 on the surface side of the main body 115, recessed towards the rear side. The hook 121 passes through the corresponding central locking hole 122 or side locking hole 123 from the rear side to the surface side, and the end of the hook 121 is received in the hook recess 124. The end of the hook 121 is received in the hook recess 124, thereby positioning the hook 121 relative to the central locking hole 122 and the side locking hole 123. In addition, since the central locking hole 122 and the side locking hole 123 are located in the position of the main body 115 with the pair of left and right inclined portions 116, 116, that is, in a position with relatively high rigidity, the deformation of the central locking hole 122 and the side locking hole 123 can be suppressed, and the hook 121 can be prevented from falling out of the central locking hole 122 and the side locking hole 123.

[0168] A first clip mounting hole 125 extending vertically through the inclined portion 116 is formed. Furthermore, second clip mounting holes 126 extending vertically through the main body 115 are formed on the left and right sides of the front portion 115b. Clips 127 for holding other components can be mounted from the rear side in both the first and second clip mounting holes 125 and 126. If the end of the clip 127 protrudes towards the surface of the support member 107, it may negatively affect riding comfort. To prevent this, the first clip mounting hole 125 is formed within a recess 128, which is provided on the inclined portion 116 and recessed towards the rear side. Furthermore, the second clip mounting holes 126, located behind the left and right sides of the front portion 115b, mitigate the impact of the protruding end of the clip 127 by having upwardly protruding flanges 129 formed on the left and right edges of the front portion 115b and being located near the upwardly inclined portion 116. Furthermore, since the second clip mounting holes 126 located on the front of the left and right sides of the front portion 115b are formed in the recess 130 that is shallowly recessed towards the rear side, the impact of the end of the clip 127 protruding towards the surface is reduced.

[0169] Side cutouts 131 are formed on the left and right side edges of the support member 107, in front of the inclined portion 116 and at the rear end of the front portion 115b of the main body 115. By providing the side cutouts 131, the support member 107 can be miniaturized and made lighter.

[0170] By providing a side cutout 131, and positioning the middle portion of the left and right end edges of the front portion 115b in the front direction further outward than the left and right end edges of the front mounting portion 117 in the left and right direction, a wing portion 132 extending to the left and right sides is formed on the front portion 115b. Unlike the inclined portion 116, the wing portion 132 is not inclined relative to the middle portion in the left and right direction of the front portion 115b.

[0171] Multiple wires 119 embedded in the resin constituting the support member 107 extend longitudinally (along the front-back direction of the support member 107) and laterally (along the left-right direction of the support member 107), thereby improving the rigidity of the support member 107. In the illustrated example, wire 119 includes: a first longitudinal wire 119a extending longitudinally at the center in the left-right direction; a second longitudinal wire 119b extending longitudinally at the side in the left-right direction; a third longitudinal wire 119c extending longitudinally to the left and right outer sides of the first clip mounting hole 125; a first transverse wire 119d extending transversely at the front side of the front portion 115b; a second transverse wire 119e extending transversely through the front side of the rear portion 115a; a third transverse wire 119f extending transversely through the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the rear portion 115a; a fourth transverse wire 119g extending transversely through the rear side of the rear portion 115a; and a fifth transverse wire 119h extending transversely in the front-rear direction of the first clip mounting hole 125. The second transverse wire 119b partially passes through the inclined portion 116, and the two ends of the second to fourth transverse wires 119e to f are located within the inclined portion 116. Using any two wires from the first and second longitudinal wires 119a and 119b and any two wires from the first to fourth transverse wires 119d to g, the wire 119 is formed into a ring. In addition, the first clip mounting hole 125 is surrounded by a portion of the second longitudinal wire 119b, the third longitudinal wire 119c, and the fifth transverse wire 119h.

[0172] like Figure 14 As shown, the seat heater 110 has: a base fabric 144, and a padding 108 (see reference). Figure 15 The heating element 134 is sandwiched in the middle, partially covering the support member 107 and the cradle 114 above; and is fixed to the base fabric 133. The base fabric 133 has two main sections 135, 135 extending generally along the seat surface, and a pair of left and right connecting sections 136, 136 connecting the two main sections 135, 135. An opening 137 is divided in the center of the base fabric 133 through the two main sections 135, 135 and the pair of left and right connecting sections 136, 136. The heating element 134 extends forward and backward, bending left and right at the front end of the base fabric 133, and the two ends of the heating element 134 located at the rear end of the base fabric 133 are electrically connected to the electrical system of the vehicle V.

[0173] The leading edge of the base fabric 133 is located further back than the leading edge of the cradle 114, and the trailing edge of the base fabric 133 is located further forward than the central locking hole 122 and the side locking holes 123. Since the base fabric 133 does not cover the central locking hole 122 and the side locking holes 123, the operator can easily visually confirm the central locking hole 122 and the side locking holes 123, thereby improving the workability of installing the hook 121, which is mounted on the rear end of the outer skin material 109, into the central locking hole 122 and the side locking holes 123. The left and right side edges of the base fabric 133 are located further inward than the left and right side edges of the support member 107 and the cradle 114. Thus, since the end edge of the bottom fabric 133 is located inside the left and right side edges and rear edge of the support member 107 and the front edge of the rocker arm 114, the bending load on the seat heater 110 is suppressed compared to the case where the bottom fabric 133 is supported by the padding 108 on the support member 107 and the rocker arm 114 and the left and right side edges of the bottom fabric 133 are located outside the left and right side edges of the support member 107 and the rocker arm 114.

[0174] Furthermore, the left and right edges of the base fabric 133 are located inside the left and right sides of the first and second clip mounting holes 125 and 126. Therefore, the base fabric 133, which does not cover the first and second clip mounting holes 125 and 126, is less susceptible to uneven stress from the recesses 128 and 130 around the ends of the clips 127 and the first and second clip mounting holes 125 and 126, thus reducing the bending load on the seat heater 110.

[0175] The left and right edges of the base fabric 133 are located on the outer side in the left and right direction compared to the second longitudinal wire 119b. The front edge of the base fabric 133 is located in front of the first transverse wire 119d, and the rear edge of the base fabric 133 is located behind the third transverse wire 119f, preferably behind the fourth transverse wire 119g. Furthermore, if any two of the first longitudinal wire 119a and any two of the pair of second longitudinal wires 119b are combined with any two of the first to fourth transverse wires 119d to 119g, a loop is formed. By configuring the base fabric 133 to cover the first and second longitudinal wires 119a and 119b and the first to third or fourth transverse wires 119d to 119g located near the main body 115 or the inclined portion 116, or by configuring these wires 119 in a loop, deformation of the base fabric 133 is suppressed, thereby suppressing the load applied to the heating wire 134. The third longitudinal wire 119c, located in the inclined section 116, is positioned further outward in the left-right direction than the left and right edges of the base fabric 133. As a result, the bending load on the seat heater 110 is suppressed.

[0176] like Figure 15As shown, the connecting portion 136 flexes at the mounting portion 138 of the outer material 109 and protrudes into the interior of the seat cushion 102. Therefore, even when an occupant sits on the seat 101 and the connecting portion 136 is stretched back and forth, the flexed connecting portion 136 elongates, thereby reducing the tensile force applied to the connecting portion 136 in the forward and backward direction. Thus, the load on the heating wire 134 located in the connecting portion 136 is suppressed.

[0177] Furthermore, a hook 121 is provided at the lower end of the mounting portion 138 of the outer skin material 109. The hook 121 is engaged with a linear locking member 139 mounted on the frame 106 or the support member 107. The mounting portion 138 is configured to overlap with the pressure sensor 120 when viewed from above. Since the mounting portion 138 is more prone to bending when the occupant is seated, the stress transmitted to the pressure sensor 120 located below the mounting portion 138 increases, making it easier for the pressure sensor 120 to detect pressure. In addition, to suppress the influence of heat generated from the heating wire 134 on the pressure sensor 120, the opening 137 of the bottom fabric 133 is configured to overlap with the pressure sensor 120 when viewed from above.

[0178] As described above, damage to the heating wire 134 is suppressed because the bending load on the seat heater 110 and the load on the heating wire 134 are suppressed.

[0179] The description of the specific embodiments has concluded, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and can be implemented in a wide range of variations. The ends of the outer material can also replace hooks as locking parts in other structures such as clips. A portion of the ribs can also be omitted to increase the flexibility of the component. A portion of the linear component can also be fixed to a location other than the inclined portion, such as a side beam with high rigidity. The structures of the above embodiments and their variations can be applied to seat backs, and also to seats in vehicles other than vehicles, such as airplanes. The base fabric can have three or more main sections, and two adjacent main sections can be connected by one or three or more connecting parts.

Claims

1. A seat for a vehicle, comprising a seat cushion and a seat back, The vehicle seat has the following features: A frame-shaped frame disposed on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back; and A support member for supporting occupants, which is supported within the frame. The frame has a crossbeam and a pair of left and right side beams, with the crossbeam connecting the corresponding ends of the side beams. The left and right side beams are provided with cover components that cover at least a portion of the opposing sides. The support member has: a plate-shaped body extending substantially parallel to the frame; and an inclined portion extending obliquely outward from the left and right side edges of the body toward the surface side. The left and right inclined portions abut against the corresponding left and right cover components. A connecting reinforcement is provided at the connection between the main body and the inclined portion. The connecting reinforcement has a connecting recess recessed on the surface side and a connecting rib disposed in the connecting recess.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein, The inclined portion has mounting holes for mounting clips.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein, At least a portion of the connecting ribs are disposed on the lateral side of the mounting hole.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein, The longitudinal length of the connecting recess is longer than the longitudinal length of the mounting hole.

5. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The vehicle seat is provided with a longitudinal end reinforcement, the longitudinal end reinforcement having: a vertical wall extending from one longitudinal side edge of the inclined portion toward the rear side in a manner perpendicular to the surface of the inclined portion; a bottom wall extending from the lower edge of the vertical wall toward the longitudinal side or toward an extended surface inclined relative to that side toward the surface; and a reinforcing wall fixed perpendicular to the vertical wall and the bottom wall.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein, The mounting hole is located on the longitudinal extension line of at least a portion of the reinforcing wall.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein, The reinforcing wall is located laterally outside the connecting rib.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein, The longitudinal end reinforcement is located on the side that is closer to the longitudinal direction than the connecting reinforcement.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein, The connecting ribs are configured to form an angle relative to the reinforcing wall.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 9, wherein, The connecting rib extends laterally, and the reinforcing wall extends longitudinally.

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